After his election, President Donald Trump assured the public that Social Security would remain untouched, except for efforts to improve efficiency. However, Elon Musk, now a key figure in government spending cuts, has sparked controversy with his recent criticisms of the program, putting him at odds with Trump’s pledge and raising concerns among Republicans.
According to sources familiar with the matter, some Trump allies are pushing for the White House to limit Musk’s media appearances. The issue escalated following Musk’s February interview with Joe Rogan, where he called Social Security “the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.” Later, in a conversation with Fox Business host Larry Kudlow, Musk labeled Social Security as “the big one to eliminate” while discussing entitlement spending.
Musk referenced a 2024 Government Accountability Office report, which estimated federal losses from fraud at between $233 billion and $521 billion annually. He argued that entitlement spending, including Social Security, is a major contributor to waste and fraud.
A Trump adviser acknowledged growing external concerns over Musk’s statements. Influential figures from Wall Street, corporate America, and Congress have conveyed to the White House and even Trump himself that Musk’s messaging on Social Security needs to be controlled. A White House official, speaking anonymously, admitted that Musk’s remarks could unsettle senior citizens but reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to preserving Social Security.
“The only concern Americans should have is what the president says and does,” the official stated. “We haven’t touched Social Security, and we’re not going to.” They emphasized that Musk’s views do not influence Trump’s policies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this, clarifying that the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), overseen by Musk, is solely focused on identifying waste, fraud, and abuse, already saving taxpayers billions.
Despite these reassurances, some Republicans remain uneasy. One GOP lawmaker noted that while Social Security reform is necessary, Musk’s rhetoric is unhelpful. “It’s not a Ponzi scheme; it’s an entitlement program that needs adjustments,” they said, warning that Musk’s continued outspokenness could make him a key issue in the 2026 elections.
Musk and his U.S. DOGE Service have aggressively cut government spending, targeting agencies such as USAID and the Department of Education. However, Social Security remains a politically sensitive issue. DOGE’s closure of some Social Security offices and reductions in telephone services have drawn bipartisan criticism. While Republicans are beginning to push back, Democrats see an opportunity, as polling suggests Musk’s stance is unpopular.
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